Title: Payday 2: Crimewave Edition
Developer: Overkill Software
Publisher: 505 Games
Released: August 13, 2013
Platforms Available: PlayStation 4 and 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox X|S, PC Game, Mac Game
Platform Reviewed: PC Game, PlayStation 3
Article Reading Time: 7 minutes
Living the Heist
We’ve all seen those heist movies and wondered how we would handle those situations. This is precisely what the devs at Overkill Software promised us with PayDay 2, and if you ask me, they delivered big time! PayDay 2 is a cooperative first-person shooter that thrives on teamwork and strategy. Whether you’re stealthily infiltrating a heavily guarded facility or engaging in a blazing shootout, the game offers multiple approaches to achieving your objectives. You step into the shoes of the infamous PayDay Gang, bringing back the original characters Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf, and Chains, along with 14 brand-new characters. Each has a unique background and story, and most of the voice actors did a great job, with a few exceptions. Once you’ve chosen your character and mask, you’re ready to tackle a series of daring and complex heists, ranging from straightforward bank robberies and cooking meth in crackhead labs to elaborate high-tech thefts. PayDay 2 has it all!
Gameplay: Choose Your Approach
Each mission demands strategic planning to the smallest of details, precise execution, and teamwork to succeed. Whether you want to sneak in or prefer blowing stuff up, the choice is yours! The level of detail is impressive. You get to disable cameras and alarms, tie up hostages, drill the vaults, bag the loot, and everything else you would imagine in a heist. PayDay 2 did not disappoint with the customization system either. Players can tailor their load-outs with various weapons, mods, and skills, allowing for diverse playstyles, tactics, and approaches. Whether you prefer silent takedowns or going in guns blazing, there’s a satisfying level of customization to suit your approach. If you play your cards right, you can single-handedly rob a whole bank, which is something I absolutely love! It is tough since the game is meant to be played in a team, but it is still possible for certain heists! And yes, I managed to do some banks solo, too!
Multiplayer: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
As already stated, the true essence of PayDay 2 is in multiplayer mode. Communication and coordination are essential for success, especially in more intricate heists where split-second decisions can make or break a mission. Playing with friends enhances the experience, adding layers of strategy and camaraderie. Some heists are just impossible to solo, no matter your approach, so get ready to co-op!
A World of Crime: Story, Atmosphere
While PayDay 2 focuses primarily on gameplay, there are some elements to the story that revolve around the PayDay Gang. Mission briefings and in-game events slowly unveil the backstory of the gang, adding depth to their criminal exploits. The storytelling in PayDay 2 is integrated seamlessly into the gameplay through dynamic dialogues and brief cutscenes. While not traditionally story-driven, these elements contribute to the overall experience. PayDay 2’s visuals are functional rather than groundbreaking, to say the least, but for an 11-year-old game, not too shabby! The detailed interiors of banks, offices, and secure facilities add to the immersion despite occasional limitations in graphics and minor visual glitches. To be fair, the graphics were decent at the time of release! Especially in certain DLCs, like my all-time favorite, the Point Break Heists DLC, based on the movie Point Break and Ozaki 8 Heists. If you end up playing the DLCs, Point Break is a must-play! Simon Viklund composed the soundtracks for PayDay 2 as well as for the original PayDay, and once again, he did a great job! From subtle background tracks during stealth operations to adrenaline-pumping beats during intense firefights, the music complements the action perfectly.
Technical : Mostly Smooth Criminal and Lot of DLCs
During my experience with PayDay 2 on PC, the game ran smoothly for the most part, with occasional minor bugs that didn’t significantly impact gameplay. Updates from the developers have been consistent in addressing these issues, and 70 DLCs have been released through the years. Yes, you read that right! 70 unique DLCs! These downloadable content packs include a variety of heists, characters, weapons, mods, cosmetic items, and other additional content. The downside is that most of these are premium DLCs, which means you will have to pay for them individually. Most DLCs are great, but some are not worth your money, so research and find what suits your needs! While my primary experience was on PC, the community’s feedback showed that the PS4 version of PayDay 2 had different success. The game was not patched and maintained as well, but it still reached a solid player base at some point. PayDay 2 offers significant replay value. There’s always a new challenge or strategy to explore, ensuring long-term enjoyment for dedicated players. On top of that, there are many achievements, too, and some of them are extremely hard to get. So, for those trophy hunters, go crazy!
The Fall of PayDay 3
PayDay 2 set the bar high for cooperative shooters, making the anticipation for PayDay 3 immense. Unfortunately, PayDay 3’s release has been marred by numerous issues. From server instability to bugs and glitches that hinder gameplay, the launch has been far from smooth. Many players have reported problems connecting to servers, experiencing game crashes, and encountering unresponsive controls, which have significantly impacted the overall gaming experience. Despite the developers’ promises and the high expectations set by its predecessor, PayDay 3 has struggled to deliver a polished product. The backlash from the community has been intense, with many fans expressing their disappointment across various forums and social media platforms . The issues have led to a significant drop in player numbers, contrasting sharply with the ongoing popularity of PayDay 2, which continues to maintain a loyal player base thanks to its engaging gameplay and extensive content library attached.
Conclusion: A Heist Worth Taking
Despite the stumble with PayDay 3, PayDay 2 remains a solid title for more than decade now, offering a thrilling heist experience, detailed customization, engaging missions, and an immersive atmosphere. PayDay 2 is a must-play for fans of cooperative shooters and stealth games. Its a nicely paced heist experience with its detailed customization, engaging missions, and gritty atmosphere. Despite minor flaws, its strengths make it a must-play for fans of cooperative shooters and stealth games since 2013 when unleashed.
Where to Buy Payday 2: Crimewave Edition
- Steam (PC, Mac): Available for $9.99. You can purchase the game directly from Steam, VR supported.
- Epic Games Store (PC Game): Available for free from June 8 to June 15, 2023. After the promotional period, the game will be priced at $9.99. Check it out on the Epic Games Store
- Xbox Store (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S): The Crimewave Edition is available for $19.99 or free on GAME PASS. Find it on the Xbox Store
- PlayStation Store (PS4): The Crimewave Edition is priced at $19.99 or for free pn PlayStation Pass Extra. You can purchase it from the PlayStation Store
